929 Gallons Of Moonshine Seized In Wilkes County

Resident Arrested After 2-Month Investigation

"This is one of the biggest seizures of white liquor I've seen come out of the mountains in my career," Alcohol Law Enforcement Director John Ledford said Friday of the seizure of 929 gallons of moonshine at a home on Shew Ridge Mission Road.

Ledford said a resident of the home, Roger Lee Nance, was arrested and charged Wednesday with possession of non-tax paid liquor, possession of non-tax paid liquor for the purpose of sell and possession of equipment and ingredients intended for the use in the manufacture of an alcoholic beverage.

The arrest followed a two-month-long investigation involving ALE agents and state troopers.

In addition to the liquor, large amounts of sugar and other items were seized during a search of the property, Ledford said.

"I commend the agents who were able to make this arrest. While tax-paid liquor is regulated and inspected, illegal distilleries are typically made in unhealthy conditions that could possibly cause exposure to lead and other problems," Ledford said.